Baylor WR Clay Fuller named as Burlsworth finalist

Baylor wide receiver and former Smithson Valley standout Clay Fuller was named as a finalist for the Burlsworth Award given annually to the nation’s top walk-on player.

Fuller, a 26-year-old former minor-league baseball player, has produced 18 receptions for 261 yards this season for the Bears.

The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, who walked on with Arkansas and eventually became a three-year starter and an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was drafted by Indianpolis Colts, but was killed in a car accident 11 days later.

The Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club presents the award annually. Fuller is one of 53 nominees for the award.

Other Big 12 players who were nominated include Kansas State defensive end Ryan Mueller, TCU defensive end Jon Koontz, Texas Tech quarterback Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma fullback Aaron Ripkowski. The award will be presented Dec. 9 in Springdale.